Cheryl B. Engelhardt – Musician
Cheryl B. Engelhardt is a composer, singer/songwriter and creative career coach.
Engelhardt has released four piano-pop records, toured the globe with her band, and written music for nationally aired ads like Honey Nut Cheerios and Lowe’s. Hear her music at cbemusic.com. She is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs through workshops and courses offered at InTheKeyOfSuccess.com.
- Who are your female role models and why?
My female role models include my late high school choir teacher Deborah O’Brian. She walked into a room and commanded power. Not overbearing, but just such a positive presence. You knew quality work was getting done anytime she was around. Another role model is Sara Bareilles who’s just an all-around super talented and fun person who carries around a pocketful of magic.
- What gives you the advantage in your industry as a woman?
In the music industry, specifically as a film and commercial composer, there are not a lot of women who do it, and even fewer who have a background in audio production. Honestly, every time I have a conversation with an ad agency or music house, I always ask them how often they hire female composers, and the answer usually is rarely, if ever. And I assert that, even though I have the same skills as my male counterparts, bringing in a female composer once in a while adds a different perspective. Isn’t that the core of diversity? (And yes, this conversation often results in me getting the job).
- What advice would you give to women starting out in your industry?
It took me years to realize that DIY (Do It Yourself) doesn’t mean Do It Alone. My biggest piece of advice to female musicians would be to become leaders, not taskmasters. Finding people who are in love with what you do and want to support you. And you may have to pay for that – a manager or mentor. My biggest successes came when I had someone rooting for me. This is THE single reason I created MX4 (my marketing, money-making mentorship mastermind course) to be that for other entrepreneurs and musicians.
- The theme this year is #BeBoldForChange. What are some of the changes you’d like to see in your industry? And in the world today?
I would LOVE to see more women being the face of the music industry. I’d love to change the model of the “good ole boys club” feel to both the music and the advertising industries to not only make women feel more comfortable in their own skin and talents, but to make it easier for new females to get into the business without having to doubly prove themselves.
Alessandra Torre – Author
Alessandra Torre is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of 14 novels. She regularly gives out free bookmarks to market her works.
Torre is a self-publishing advocate who frequently speaks to universities, conventions and author groups. She is currently developing an educational writing course and is releasing a lifestyles app for women in 2017. Check out her official website at alessandratorre.com.
- Who are your female role models and why?
Rachael Ray is a shining example of a business woman to me. She has successfully expanded her brand while maintaining creative direction and control. My mother is another strong role model for me. She has shown me unconditional support no matter what endeavor or path I’ve taken.
- What gives you the advantage in your industry as a woman?
My industry (writing romance novels) is one dominated by women, and it’s an interesting environment to navigate. It is highly competitive, but also very supportive. I try, with each day and every interaction, to help others succeed, but also to mind my own business and stay focused on the thing that brought me into this industry: The writing.
- What advice would you give to women starting out in your industry?
Avoid drama. Ask questions. Be kind. Don’t knock others down in an attempt to build your brand.
- The theme this year is #BeBoldForChange. What are some of the changes you’d like to see in your industry? And in the world today?
In the romance industry, but also in the world today, I would love to see more confident heroines. Women are blessed with so many unique gifts, and we should embrace those differences. I am grateful that I am different from a man. I can stand on my own and do things my own way, and I don’t have to lose my femininity to do that. Today’s world allows for anything, and I am so excited to see what the future brings – not just for our women, but for everyone.
Thank you for this opportunity! I love Overnight Prints!
Danielle McNeil – Designer
Danielle Gardner is a freelance graphic designer and calligraphy artist. She prints flyers, business cards and greeting cards to fulfill client orders.
McNeile strives for simple, clean designs that are unique and modern. She features her latest works on her Instagram at @danidesigns_.
- Who are your female role models and why?
My female role models are Alison Faulkner, Jenna Rainey and Brooke White, just to name a few. I love seeing people who have started a business endeavor and have succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. Like myself, these women have all been in the beginning of starting a business, so it’s inspiring to see their success stories.
- What gives you the advantage in your industry as a woman?
I think in the design industry, being a woman gives me an advantage because I have a keen eye for design and because I can relate to other women.
- What advice would you give to women starting out in your industry?
Be confident! Be confident in your talent, your work, your brand. I have wasted so much time being worried or afraid of what others will think of my work and my style. It’s taken me a while but I finally feel like I’m comfortable in myself as a designer. Once you feel confident in yourself, you will soar!
- The theme this year is #BeBoldForChange. What are some of the changes you’d like to see in your industry? And in the world today?
Within the design/art community, I would like to see people supporting each other more. Instead of criticizing each other’s work or one’s own work, I hope we can all celebrate each other’s successes. This world needs unconditional love now more than ever. I hope that we can all be bold for change and make a difference in the world however we can.
Shayla Penera – Photographer
Shayla Penera is a Big Island (Hawaii) based photographer; creating photos for the free-spirited and wildly in love. She designed square business cards to match her unique photography skills.
Penera intends to create effortless photos that withstand the trends and keep the memories close. Through time and experience, she has refined her style of ‘sun-drenched’ and ‘salt-washed’ photos that are inspired through life by the ocean and a love affair with the world. See her photography at shaylapenera.com.
- Who are your female role models and why?
The female role models in my life are the ones close to me who have seen me grow and never let me question my seemingly crazy ideas. My mother and grandmother are virtues of faith, strength and hard work that I strive to be and what I hope to share with others.
- What gives you the advantage in your industry as a woman?
I can relate to women all around the world in many ways. In my photography, I seek to show women and men more than just the idea of vanity.
- What advice would you give to women starting out in your industry?
My best and truest advice would be to BE BOLD, and put your best foot forward knowing that everything that makes you different is the same as everything that makes you unforgettable.
- The theme this year is #BeBoldForChange. What are some of the changes you’d like to see in your industry? And in the world today?
In the fashion industry, I am happy to see women and men being portrayed for their true selves, and it is something I hope will continue. In the world, I hope to see beauty become less about image and more about character and well-being.
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